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    話を聞いてもピンとこない (hanashi o kiite mo pin to konai - even after hearing the story, I don't get it)

    Grammar & Usage

    fixed expression
    neutral

    How it works

    This expression uses the particle を (o) indicating the object of the verb 聞く (kiku - to hear/listen). The ても (te mo) particle structure means 'even if/after'. ピンとくる (pin to kuru) is an idiomatic phrase meaning 'to get it' or 'to click', and here it's used in its negative form こない (konai) indicating 'doesn't click' or 'doesn't make sense'.

    Sample sentences

    先生の難しい話を聞いても、いまいちピンとこない。

    Even after listening to the teacher's difficult explanation, I still don't quite get it.

    どんなに説明されても、なぜかその理論がピンとこない。

    No matter how much it's explained, somehow that theory just doesn't click for me.

    彼の指示が曖昧で、話を聞いても全然ピンとこなかった。

    His instructions were vague, and even after hearing them, I didn't get it at all.

    Quick facts

    common_usage:Often used when someone is trying to explain something, but the listener is unable to grasp the core concept or meaning, even after repeated attempts or detailed explanations.
    idiomatic_expression:ピンとくる (pin to kuru) is an onomatopoeic idiom. 'ピン' (pin) suggests something suddenly coming into focus or a quick realization, and 'くる' (kuru) means 'to come'. So 'pin to kuru' literally implies 'it comes with a click/snap into understanding'.

    Mnemonic

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    Example

    先生の難しい話を聞いても、いまいちピンとこない。

    Even after listening to the teacher's difficult explanation, I still don't quite get it.

    どんなに説明されても、なぜかその理論がピンとこない。

    No matter how much it's explained, somehow that theory just doesn't click for me.

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